Although, the cantilever patio umbrella is becoming increasingly popular these days, many still are unfamiliar with this terminology. The cantilever umbrella is also referred to as the offset patio umbrellas. Simply said, the cantilever umbrella is a patio umbrella that has the umbrella post located to the side of the sunshade. Therefore, the sunshade is offset from the pole, hence the other name for these umbrellas is offset patio umbrellas. And yet to just confuse you more, it has yet another name is the side post umbrella. The advantages of having the sunshade of the patio umbrella located to the side, is that there is no wasted space due to the space of the post of the patio umbrella. So, whether you call it a cantilever umbrella, offset umbrella, or even a side post umbrella it may be the right option for you!!
Posts Tagged ‘cantilever umbrella’
Cantilever Umbrella-What Exactly Does that Mean???
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010Happy Hanukkah!!!
Friday, December 11th, 2009
The Shade Experts would like to thank you for reading our patio umbrella blog and hope that you enjoy reading it. We would like to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah. Please use this time to enjoy friends and family.
The Shade Experts would also like to thank each one of our patio umbrella customers for the opportunity to do business with them. We are thankful for all of our wonderful customers!
Thank you for your continued support throughout this year. Happy Hanukkah!
Parola Umbrellas- Handmade Italian Patio Umbrellas
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
The Parola Company is proud of being part of a tradition that dates back to 1950. Specialized in the design and construction of large patio umbrellas for restaurants and gardens, it is a leader in its sector thanks to the high quality of its products, which are both practical and elegant. Parola is in the province of Salerno, Italy and their name is synonymous with a superior production of commercial grade umbrellas that have been in use in restaurants throughout the famous “Amalfi Coast” of Southern Italy for over 25 years.
Happy Thanksgiving from The Shade Experts!
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
The Shade Experts would like to thank you for reading our patio umbrella blog and hope that you enjoy reading it. Please have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. And use this time to enjoy friends and family.
The Shade Experts would also like to thank each one of our patio umbrella customers for the opportunity to do business with them. We are thankful for all of our wonderful customers! Happy Thanksgiving!
Winter-The Best Time to Buy a Patio Umbrella?
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009Winter is almost upon us, so why would anyone buy a patio umbrella in the winter months?
Well, for people in the Southern States winter is the best ime to think about investing in outside products. As winter in the Southern and warmer states is the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors. In addition many manufacturers are offering sales and specials for their outdoor products. So, you can many times get a great deal on a centerpost umbrella or an offset umbrella.
For people in the Northern states, although winter is not the time to enjoy the outdoors, it is also a great time to buy a sidepost umbrella or a market umbrella. Stores in the Northern areas are looking to make room for the cold weather items and out summer seasonal items on clearance for great prices.
So, even if winter does not seem like the best time to invest in outdoor products, such as patio umbrellas, think about purchasing your patio umbrella 
now and beat the summer rush!
Patio Umbrella Valances-New Ideas
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Offset Patio Umbrella with Castle Border
For a more elegant look to your patio umbrella, think about adding a valance to your patio umbrella. A umbrella valance is when the fabric of your umbella over hangs and extends over the sides of the umbrella canopy. Leading to a polished look to your centerpost umbrella or offset umbrella.
There can also be many different options in umbrella valances. First, the trim of the sidepost umbrella or market umbrella can be done in an alternating color than the fabric of the patio umbrella, as in the picture. This will emphasis the valance and lead to an elegant look.
Next, there are many different borders that are available for your side arm umbrellas. There are straight valances, castle patterns, and wave patterns.
All of the different colors and styles of patio umbrella borders, will give y a one of a kind custom patio umbrella for you to enjoy!
Winterize Your Patio Umbrella
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009The fall season is upon us and those in the nothern states are feeling the cold. With the winter season do not forget to “winterize” your patio umbrellas! This is the perfect time to do your yearly cleaning on both your centerpost umbrellas and your offset umbrella. This way when you pull out your umbrellas for the spring season, they will be ready to enjoy. Also leaving the dirt and whatever else dropped on your market umbrella will only allow the stains to penetrate deeper. Please read the blog below on cleaning your centerpost umbrella or side arm umbrella.
Another good thing to do when cleaning your patio umbrella is to oil the post if necessary. This will bring out the color of the wood and prevent it from cracking and splitting next season. Please refer to your manufacturer for specific oil to use for your umbrella.
Most smaller centerpost umbrellas are best to be stored inside for the winter. With larger umbrellas, such as offset umbrellas, the structure can be stored outside and only the fabric canopy be brought in for the winter. Again, for specific recomendations please refer to your umbrella manufacturer.
Base Options for Side Post Umbrellas
Friday, September 11th, 2009
Offset Umbrella Base Plate
There are many options in bases for offset umbrellas. Most people just think about one type of base when purchasing a side arm umbrella. And that is the freestanding base. This is where the base is above ground and usually has some type of stone or cement to weigh the base down. The benefit of this type of base, is that the umbrella can be moved or taken with you when you move! The downfall of this type of base is that it does take up patio space.
Another option in side post umbrella bases is the base plate. This is were the umbrella sits on top of a plate that is mounted into existing concrete. The benefit of this type of base is that no concrete needs to be poured it can be bolted into existing patio concrete. This is a space saver solution for small patio. Please be sure to talk to the manufacturer of your umbrella as to the specifications of the concrete that is needed to do this option.
The final and most permanent option is the in ground base. This is where the base is into the ground in a concrete footer. The benefit of this installation is that this is the most secure way of mounting the cantilever umbrella. Also this type of base is a space saver as well. The drawback of this type of installation is that a concrete footer needs to be poured. As with the other base it is important to speak with the manufacturer of your umbrella to obtain the proper specifications needed for the in ground base option.
There are many options in bases for side post umbrellas, one can fit your needs!
How to Care for Your Umbrella Winch
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Offset Patio Umbrella Winch
Umbrella winches are the part of the patio umbrella that raises and lowers the canopies. These winch systems are also used on sailboats. Most people do not even think that maintenance is required on the winches of side arm umbrellas alike sailboats. Servicing winches is a messy job. But, the winch mechanism is one of the most expensive items of your cantilever umbrella, so it needs to be taken care of!
First you must disassemble the side arm umbrella winch. Remove the drum from the base of the winch using the screw at the bottom. Unscrew it, pull the socket out, and the drum can be lifted off. Now comes the messy part! Remove all the winch gears and bearings. Remember, you will be putting this back together, so if you have a good memory try to remember where everything goes. But I recommend, using a camera and taking multiple pictures of the winch prior to cleaning this will ensure that everything is put back to its original place.
Place the gears and bearings in a small can or bucket and then add mineral spirits to the can and soak the gears and bearings. After allowing them to thoroughly soak, take a small brush and brush off any remaining stubborn old grease from the parts. Do not forget to rinse the parts in hot water! As leaving the mineral spirits on will break down the new grease you will put on! Dry the parts with a clean rag to remove any excess water.
As you put the gears back into place, take a close look at how the pawls are working. If they don’t open and close smoothly, then the drum could spin backwards.
Then piece all the winch parts back into the casing. This is where your photo could come in handy. Lightly brush on clean winch grease. Do not over grease ! You will have a big mess on your hands!
The only thing left to do is remount your patio umbrella winch and re feed your wire! And you did it, you have successfully maintained your cantilever umbrella winch!
Patio Umbrellas-New Options in Lighting
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Patio Umbrellas have come a long way from simple center post market style umbrellas to now large side post umbrella designs that can easily range up to 26 feet! Along with the innovations in the manufacturing of the umbrellas, the accessories for patio umbrellas have come a long way as well. As people are now using their outdoor spaces much alike their indoor spaces, people now expect lighting options for their umbrellas. LED lighting is now available for outdoor umbrellas. Some cantilever umbrellas even come with mounting brackets for lights. Image the canopy of a large 26×26 foot side arm umbrella illuminatied at night, beautiful!